Arsenal will monitor Mario Mandzukic during the 2014 FIFA World Cup as they are willing to sign the Bayern Munich striker in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will be Brazil as a French football pundit for the summer tournamnet. According to The Telegraph, the North London club’s boss will target several players during the World Cup.
Mandzukic is suspended for the opening game of the World Cup as Brazil take on Croatia on June 12. The striker picked up a red card during the playoffs against Ice Land last November.
The Bundesliga champions have already signed Robert Lewandowski from their league rivals Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer. The arrival of the Polish international will see Manzukic drop down the pecking order next season.
The Croatian striker has publicly criticised Bayern manager Pep Guardiola after he admitted the former Barcelona manager’s style of play does not suit him. Mandzukic has expressed his desire to leave his current employers in the summer transfer window.
“I met (Bayern chairman) Karl Heinz Rummenigge before the cup final and told him I wanted to leave the club. I’ve had a fantastic time at Bayern. It’s a great club and I never thought I’d want to leave, and especially not at this point in time,” Mandzukic said.
“But, let’s be honest, I cannot play to my strengths under Guardiola’s style – no matter how hard I try. I realised that after the 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg and, that being the case, it’s best for all parties that we go our separate ways.”
“Guardiola is an outstanding coach and I wish him and everyone else at the club all the best in the future. Bayern and the club’s fans will remain the best and most emotional chapter in my career,” he added.
With the striker’s latest comments, it will come as a welcome boost for the Gunners. Wenger wants to sign at least one striker in the summer after Arsenal star Olivier Giroud revealed the club’s summer transfer plan.
Mandzukic is high on Wenger’s list and a move for the Croatian striker to the Emirates will see him pair with Giroud to lead the Gunners’ strike force next season. Should Bayern star join Arsenal, it will boost Arsenal’s squad.
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